Warrington Wolves signing makes loan switch on eve of season

Just days before their first game, one 2025 Warrington Wolves signing is heading out on loan to the Championship.

Winger Alfie Johnson only joined the Wolves in October 2024 after a successful rugby sevens career but is headed out to Widnes on an initial two-week loan with the Vikings serving as the dual registration partner for Warrington.

The 23-year-old scored two tries against the Vikings just a month ago in their pre-season match, where he was on the 36-22 losing Warrington side.

Widnes head coach Allan Coleman is excited to get Johnson on the books after admitting their back line has a few injuries right now.

In a club statement, Coleman said: “I’m over the moon to get Alfie on board. When we played Warrington in pre-season, he was a real threat and scored two good tries.

“He’s powerful, quick, and knows where the tryline is which is important to us,” he added.

The Wolves have extensive options in the outside backs, with Johnson fighting with Connor Wrench, Cai Taylor-Wray and Arron Lindop for Matty Ashton and Josh Thewlis’ starting spots.

This loan deal will give Johnson the opportunity to get used to playing elite-level rugby league after his transition from rugby union.

Whilst he’s represented England and Great Britain in rugby sevens, he’s a new face to rugby league, spending the end of 2024 playing for the Leeds Rhinos reserve side.

Coleman admits to needing to sign more players so getting Johnson in gives them more options in the backs.

He said: “We’ve not got the biggest squad in the Championship, so it’s great to get him in and I’m excited to see how he goes.”

Upon signing for Warrington, Johnson admitted that they’re a massive club and he has a lot of work to do.

He said: “I feel rugby league really suits my style of play and attributes where I can be effective with both sides of the ball.”

Johnson’s first game could be Widnes’ first game of the 2025 Championship season, here they head to Toulouse.

He becomes the first Warrington signing but the third player to secure a loan following Jake Thewlis and Zac Bardsley-Rowe’s move to London.